CANARY QUILTS PRESENTS
Farmer’s Wife Fridays
A year-long quilt along
featuring the Farmer’s Wife
1920s and 1930s Sampler Quilts
by Laurie Aaron Hird
Join me each Friday as we stitch through the Farmer’s Wife Sampler quilts one block at a time using traditional piecing, foundation paper piecing, templates, and Electric Quilt 8 (EQ8). Together we’ll build our quilts from the ground up while exploring the stories, history.
✔ Weekly Videos
✔ Printable Worksheets
✔ EQ8 Friendly
✔ Beginner Friendly
✨ Navigate the Quilt Along
Start Here
A few simple steps will get you ready to sew along with us each Friday.
Don’t have EQ8? You can still follow along!
Step 1
Get the Books
Choose the Farmer’s Wife books that work best for your quilting journey. We’ll primarily focus on the 1920s sampler while featuring select blocks from the 1930s book throughout the year.
Step 2
Download the Weekly Sheet
Stay organized with printable weekly worksheets that include block references, page numbers, tracking areas, and links back to the video tutorials.
Step 3
Set Up EQ8
Follow along as we recreate the 1920s sampler quilt in EQ8, organize our layouts, add placeholders, and prepare for foundation paper piecing and block construction.
Step 4
Join the Weekly Videos
Every Friday we’ll work through new blocks together using traditional piecing, templates, and foundation paper piecing techniques.
You do not need EQ8 to participate in this quilt along.
THE BOOKS
The Farmer’s Wife Sampler books combine quilting, history, storytelling, and hundreds of unique quilt blocks inspired by women’s lives in the 1920s and 1930s. Throughout this quilt along, we’ll use both books as guides while building our quilts one block at a time.
Farmer's Wife 1920's Sampler Quilt
The 1920s sampler book will be the primary focus of this quilt along. Together we’ll recreate the quilt inside EQ8, organize our layouts, build the blocks, and explore different construction methods throughout the year.
The original book includes a CD-ROM containing templates and block information, though many quilters today no longer have access to CD drives. Because of that, we’ll also explore ways to recreate and organize the blocks using EQ8 and traditional methods. You may also want to check your local library system, as some libraries have copies of the books available or even CD-ROM drives that can be checked out for temporary use. External CD-ROM drives are still available for purchase as well for quilters who would like to access the original files directly. In many cases, quilters have also shared information online about accessing the templates digitally, and searching for “Farmer’s Wife 1920s Sampler Quilt templates” may help you locate additional resources.
✔ 111 sampler blocks
✔ Historical stories and letters
✔ Traditional piecing and templates
✔ EQ8-friendly workflow
Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt
a Throughout the year we’ll also explore blocks from the Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt book. One of the wonderful things about this book is that the block templates and foundation paper piecing patterns are still available online as free download.
While the downloadable patterns are incredibly helpful, the book itself contains the assembly information, layouts, and stories that bring the quilt to life. We’re going to make these quilts together, block by block, while preserving and celebrating the incredible history woven throughout the book.
You may also want to check your local library system to see if they have copies of the books available. In many cases, quilters have shared helpful links and resources online as well, and searching for “Farmer’s Wife 1930s sampler quilt templates” or “Farmer’s Wife 1930s foundation paper piecing patterns” can help you locate free downloadable templates.
✔ 99 sampler blocks
✔ Free downloadable block patterns
✔ Foundation paper piecing included
✔ Great companion quilt experience
“These books are more than quilt patterns. They are snapshots of women’s lives, creativity, and stories passed through generations.”
Important Resource for Farmer’s Wife 1930s Quilters
If you’re planning to sew from the Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt book, be sure to download the official errata PDF before you begin.
The errata includes corrections to several templates, but most importantly, it contains Setting Triangle Templates A & B, which are not included in the original book templates. You’ll want to save these files now so they’re readily available when it’s time to assemble your quilt.
📄 Download the official errata PDF:
https://www.quiltingdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FarmersWife1930sSamplerQuilt_errata.pdf
Don’t worry if you’re not planning to make both quilts. Farmer’s Wife Fridays is designed so you can participate using the 1920s book, the 1930s book, or join me in making both throughout the year.
Building the Quilt in EQ8
Throughout this quilt along, we’ll use EQ8 to organize the Farmer’s Wife 1920s Sampler Quilt, create block placeholders, explore construction methods, and build the quilt layout step-by-step as the project grows throughout the year.
STEP 1
Set up the quilt layout and organize block placeholders in EQ8
STEP 2
Build the quilt one block at a time throughout the year
STEP 3
Print templates, explore construction methods, and prepare for sewing
You do not need EQ8 to participate in this quilt along.
What to Expect Each Week
Each week of the quilt along follows a structured workflow designed to keep the project organized, approachable, and flexible. Together we’ll work through featured blocks, companion blocks, printable worksheets, EQ8 organization, and a variety of construction methods throughout the year.
Legend:
FW20 → Farmer’s Wife 1920s Sampler Quilt
FW30 → Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt
PRIMARY FOCUS
Hero Block
The Hero Block is the primary focus block for the week and will guide much of the construction, organization, and EQ8 workflow. These blocks will be featured from the Farmer’s Wife 1920s Sampler Quilt and often include more detailed construction techniques and challenges.
COMPANION BLOCK
Block 2
Block 2 is the weekly companion block that helps steadily build the quilt alongside the Hero Block. These blocks will be from the Farmer’s Wife 1920s Sampler Quilt and will usually be the easier of the blocks this week. These companion blocks help create steady progress throughout the quilt.
1930's FEATURE
Feature Block
Feature Blocks are included throughout the year from the Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt to introduce additional techniques, companion projects, and variety within the quilt along. These blocks help connect the two books while offering even more ways to participate in the series.
END-OF-YEAR BONUS
Extra Block
Extra Blocks will begin appearing later in the quilt along to help fill layouts, balance quilt sections, and provide flexibility for finishing and customization. These blocks may also offer optional opportunities to revisit favorite techniques and expand the overall quilt design. These will be from the 1920’s book.
Tools, Fabric & Resources
This quilt along is designed to be flexible and approachable for many different quilting styles and experience levels. Throughout the year we’ll explore a variety of tools, fabric choices, construction methods, and organizational systems while building the quilt one block at a time.
Fabric Inspiration
Fabric Choices & Quilt Settings
ORIGINAL FABRIC STYLES
The Farmer’s Wife 1920s and 1930s quilts each bring their own personality, color story, and approach to fabric selection. The original 1920s quilt is often associated with softer reproduction fabrics, muted florals, and vintage-inspired palettes, while the 1930s quilt is commonly recreated using brighter feedsack-style prints, playful florals, and cheerful color combinations.
1930’s QUILT SETTINGS
The 1930s quilt uses setting fabric throughout the quilt layout, with fabric requirements based on the quilt size you choose to make. Setting fabric information for the 1930s quilt begins on page 264, with the queen-size quilt utilizing all 99 block variations featured in the book.
1920’s QUILT SASHING
The 1920s quilt uses sashing between the blocks, so fabric requirements will depend on the quilt size and sashing approach you choose. Quilt layout and sizing information for the 1920s quilt begins on page 245, with the queen-size version utilizing all 111 blocks from the book.
MY FABRIC APPROACH
For my quilts, I’ll be using Tula Pink fabrics in both projects. My 1920s quilt will feature rainbow-colored sashing, while the 1930s quilt will use a darker setting fabric to help frame and highlight the blocks throughout the layout. My mom is taking a more traditional approach and using reproduction club fabrics for her 1930’s quilt, which will create a beautiful contrast in style and color throughout the quilt along.
CREATIVE FREEDOM
There is no “correct” fabric choice for this quilt. Each quilt will be beautiful and unique.
Traditional Reproduction Fabrics
My Mom is using reproduction fabric.
Modern Tula Pink Palette
I am using most of the Tula Pink Library of Fabrics
OPTIONAL TOOLS
Helpful Quilting Tools & Supplies
Throughout the quilt along I’ll share a variety of quilting tools and organizational resources that I personally enjoy using during the construction process. Helpful tools like rotary cutters, quilting rulers, glue pens, and the Add-A-Quarter ruler can make trimming, organization, and foundation paper piecing much easier throughout the project.
These tools are completely optional, but they are resources I’ve found especially helpful while working through detailed quilt blocks and foundation paper piecing workflows.
CONSTRUCTION METHODS
Building the Blocks
Throughout the quilt along, we’ll explore a variety of construction methods including traditional piecing, templates, foundation paper piecing, and EQ8 workflows. Each week will focus on building confidence, staying organized, and finding techniques that work best for your quilting style and experience level.
Traditional Piecing
Traditional piecing methods will focus on rotary cutting, simplified construction approaches, and staying organized throughout the project.
Focus Areas:
- rotary cutting
- simplified construction
- organization
Templates
Template-based construction will explore both book and CD templates while helping quilters become comfortable with tracing and traditional cutting methods.
Focus Areas:
- book templates
- CD templates
- tracing/cutting
- traditional methods
Foundation Paper Piecing
Foundation paper piecing will be featured throughout the quilt along for blocks that benefit from precision and structured construction.
Focus Areas:
- EQ8 printable foundations
- downloadable FW30 patterns
- precision piecing
- section organization
EQ8 Workflow
EQ8 workflows will help organize layouts, create placeholders, print templates, and track progress throughout the quilt along.
Focus Areas:
- placeholders
- organization
- layouts
- printing
- tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to EQ8, foundation paper piecing, or year-long quilt projects, you’re not alone. This quilt along is designed to be flexible, approachable, and supportive for a variety of quilting styles and experience levels.
Do I need EQ8 to participate?
No. EQ8 will be heavily featured throughout the quilt along, but quilters can absolutely participate using templates, traditional construction methods, and printable resources from the books.
Do I need both books?
The 1920s and 1930s books will both be featured throughout the quilt along, but quilters can choose to focus on one book or participate in both depending on their interests and goals.
Are the videos beginner friendly?
Yes. The quilt along is designed to be approachable for a variety of skill levels while also offering opportunities to explore more advanced techniques and workflows throughout the year.
What if I fall behind?
That’s completely okay. The quilt along is designed to be flexible, and quilters are encouraged to work at their own pace throughout the year.
Will the videos remain available?
Yes. The videos and resources will remain available so quilters can revisit tutorials, worksheets, and techniques whenever needed.
What construction methods will be used?
Throughout the quilt along we’ll explore traditional piecing, templates, foundation paper piecing, EQ8 organization, and a variety of construction approaches depending on the block and technique being featured.
What fabrics should I use?
There is no “correct” fabric choice for these quilts. Quilters are encouraged to use reproduction fabrics, modern fabrics, stash fabrics, coordinated collections, or any combination that reflects their own style.
Will printable worksheets be available?
Yes. Printable worksheets and schedules will be available throughout the quilt along to help with organization, tracking, and weekly planning.
COMMUNITY & CREATIVITY
Join the Quilt Along
Whether you’re planning every fabric in advance or pulling from your stash one block at a time, this quilt along is designed to grow with you throughout the year. Together we’ll build our quilts step-by-step while exploring creativity, storytelling, and the joy of quilting in community.
Weekly Tutorials • Quilt Planning Worksheets • EQ8 Guidance • Traditional & FPP Methods
GET ORGANIZED
Download the Weekly Sheet
Track blocks, layouts, fabric ideas, and weekly progress throughout the quilt along.
→ Download
WATCH & LEARN
Watch the Intro Video
Get an overview of the quilt along structure, books, construction methods, and weekly workflow.
→ Watch
START HERE
Explore the Books
Learn more about the Farmer’s Wife 1920s and 1930s sampler quilt books featured throughout the year.
→ Explore
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Along Throughout the Year
Get quilt along updates, worksheet releases, video reminders, fabric inspiration, and helpful resources throughout the Farmer’s Wife Fridays journey.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating quilting tutorials, videos, free resources, and quilt along content here at Canary Quilts. Thank you so much for supporting my small business.